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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Mona Lisa Mystery Solved

Note from Leonardo contemporary clears up mystery

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(Newser) – The true identity of Mona Lisa has puzzled art historians for centuries. A wealthy merchant's wife called Lisa was the obvious candidate, but speculation persisted that the woman with the come-hither smile was Leonardo da Vinci's mother, his lover, or even Leonardo himself. Now German experts say they've solved the mystery, Reuters reports: The portrait is indeed the merchant's wife.

Academics found a note scribbled in a book owned by an acquaintance of Leonardo's mentioning that the artist was working on a portrait of Lisa del Giocondo. The painting is also known as "La Gioconda," meaning "joyful woman" in Italian, and suggesting Lisa's married name. The discovery is being hailed as a breakthrough. "All doubts about the identity of the Mona Lisa have been eliminated," said a manuscript expert.

The Mona Lisa. A note found scribbled in the margins of a collection of Cicero's letters owned by a Da Vinci acquaintance is said to have settled the question of who modelled for the painting. Art historians had thought for centuries it might have been Da Vinci's lover, or his...
The Mona Lisa. A note found scribbled in the margins of a collection of Cicero's letters owned by a Da Vinci acquaintance is said to have settled the question of who modelled for the painting. Art historians...   (Flickr)
Engineer and inventor Pascal Cotte examines a replica of Leonardo da Vinci's
Engineer and inventor Pascal Cotte examines a replica of Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa". German experts believe they have cleared up any doubts that the model for the famous smile might have been someone...   (Associated Press)
Al Sydnor, at right, examines a magnified version of Leonardo da Vinci's
Al Sydnor, at right, examines a magnified version of Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," including the eyes and the famous smile, at a Da Vinci exhibition. German academics think they have now cleared up...   (Associated Press)
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